UAE. For the second consecutive year, Forbes Middle East has prepared a list of ‘The Most Transparent Charities in the MENA Region.’

Following the success of last year’s ranking, Forbes Middle East has once again taken the opportunity to highlight the great achievements and charitable work carried out by a wide range of charitable organizations, with the highest degree of transparency.

61 charitable organizations from different countries across the MENA region feature in this ranking, and their contributions to society will be celebrated in style through an award ceremony that will take place during an evening of Ramadan festivities hosted by Forbes Middle East on 23rd July 2012 at the Meydan Hotel, Dubai.

Founders and representatives of a wide range of charities from across the Arab world, along with top executives from companies interested in supporting transparent charitable causes will attend this Suhour event.

Building on the success of last year’s ranking which featured 54 organizations, this year’s top transparent charities are greater not only in number but also in terms of the quality and quantity of work that they carry out. Geographical reach has also increased, with Arab charities undertaking projects across the developing world. These developments are indicative of a positive shift towards more effective and accountable charity activities across the MENA region and beyond.

Saudi Arabia dominates the ranking this year with 19 charities making the list. Palestine follows in second place with 13 charities, while Jordan and the UAE rank joint-third with 6 charities each. In fourth place is Lebanon with 5 charities, followed by Kuwait, with 4 charities. While not entering the list with the largest number of charities, Kuwaiti occupies the top two spots with Social Reform Society-General Secretariat of Charitable Work in first place, and Direct Aid in second.

Bahrain and Sudan also feature in the ranking with two charities each, and Tunisia and Egypt both rank seventh with one charity each. Notably, Egypt and Sudan feature in this ranking for the first, despite having endured profound social and political upheaval over the past year.

Khuloud Al Omian editor in chief of Forbes Middle East stated: "Although the growth rate was low, I believe we are on the right path towards greater transparency, as an increased number of charities in this sensitive sector have willingly disclosed their financial statements."

Al Omian went on to add, "This year's list demonstrates both quality and excellence, with new charities joining the list for the first time. All of the charities featured operate with high levels of organization under solid frameworks, and some of have achieved diplomatic status in a number of countries, facilitating their vital work. These developments point towards a future in which charitable organizations with substantial budgets, operate around the world with full transparency. "

After extending his best wishes to the Arab and Islamic nation for the holy month of Ramadan, Abdin Nasralla, Vice President of Meydan Hotels & Hospitality commented, "Al Meydan Group of Hospitality and Hotel Affairs is honored to be a strategic partner in this Forbes Middle East event to honor and highlight the most transparent charities in the MENA region for the second time in a row.”

He also praised the charitable activities of citizens and residents in Dubai and other GCC countries, and encouraged everyone to experience the unique and magical atmosphere as well as the luxurious buffet at Meydan’s Ramadan tent, Al Hadeerah, in the Bab Al Shams resort.

This celebration of the most transparent charities in the MENA region, and the ranking that accompanies it, are the result of the work of the Forbes Middle East team. Forbes Middle East is specialized in conducting in-depth studies, creating rankings and highlighting success stories across the Arab world, with a strong focus on the economics-related aspects of a wide range of sectors. Highlighting the region’s most transparent charities is just one initiative by Forbes Middle East to encourage sustainable development in the Arab world and beyond, and to recognize achievements towards this goal so far.

Photo: Khuloud Al Omian editor in chief of Forbes Middle East

About Forbes Middle EastForbes Middle East is the licensed Middle Eastern version to the world renowned Forbes magazine and extends the Forbes brand of journalism across the MENA region. Forbes Middle East's distinctive editorial style attracts a readership community of Billionaires, Powerful Arab Men and Women, Entrepreneurs, C-Level executives, government officials and investors united by a belief in the spirit of free enterprise and entrepreneurial values. Across the region, Forbes Middle East is setting the pace for preemptive business journalism. By uncovering trends and anticipating opportunities in the regional marketplace, each monthly issue, brings top executives the information critical to their success – in both Arabic & English language editions. Forbes Middle East is the guiding compass for investments and best practices in the Arab region.

The magazine researches and publishes original and relevant Lists/Rankings, based on the criteria of neutrality, authenticity, commitment to the methodology of scientific research and the quality of standards set globally by Forbes Media, US.

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UAE. New research from Bain & Company and Red Hat indicates that many traditional companies are at an early stage in their digital journey; leaders stand out based on their use of advanced technologies, such as cloud computing, advanced analytics and modern app development.

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